RINGOES, NJ – A Hunterdon County Grand Jury has indicted Onika G. Johnson, a 44-year-old woman from Ringoes, on charges related to attempted murder and arson. Joseph Paravecchia, the First Assistant Prosecutor of Hunterdon County, announced the indictment, which includes one count of first-degree attempted murder, four counts of second-degree aggravated arson, three counts of third-degree arson, and two counts of third-degree criminal mischief.
The arrest of Johnson on August 9 followed a collaborative investigation by the Raritan Township Police Department, the Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office’s Arson Task Force, and Raritan Township Fire Safety Services.
This indictment stems from an incident on May 21, when police and fire officials were called to a fire at a residential property on 8 Whitetail Way in Ringoes. The investigation concluded that the fire, which originated in the garage and resulted in substantial damage to the home and risked the lives of its occupants, was intentionally set by Johnson, a tenant of the property.
Currently held at the Warren County Correctional Center, Johnson is represented by Jada Mayson-Osabu, Esq.
The charges against her carry significant penalties if convicted: first-degree charges could lead to 10-20 years in prison and fines up to $200,000; second-degree charges could result in 5-10 years of incarceration and fines up to $150,000; third-degree charges may lead to 3-5 years in prison and fines not exceeding $15,000.